A member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) communications team, Hamzah Suhuyini, says President John Dramani Mahama has no role in determining the outcome of petitions against public officials and should not be accused of political interference.

According to him, the power to establish a prima facie case lies exclusively with the judiciary, and critics must understand that the President’s involvement is purely procedural.

Speaking on TV3 and monitored by NewsDesksGH on December 2, he explained that the constitutional process places full responsibility on the Chief Justice.

“The responsibility to establish a prima facie case is not on the president. The president only acts as a conveyor belt.”

“So the responsibility of establishing a prima facie case rests squarely on the Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana, who is not a political appointee.”

He stressed that President Mahama cannot influence the process even if he personally held strong views.

“No matter how president Mahama feels, whether he wants Jean Mensa and the Special Prosecutor to go or not, his hands are tied. He simply cannot do anything at this stage except to forward that petition to the Chief Justice.”

Mr. Suhuyini added that any further action depends solely on the Chief Justice’s assessment.

“So the decision rests squarely on the outcome of the Chief Justice’s determination of a prima facie case, based on which maybe he will proceed, depending on the outcome, to refer the matter to a committee to handle.”

He therefore cautioned those alleging interference to desist.

“Those who are raising issues of political interference must be guided.”

Seven petitions have been filed against EC Chairperson Jean Mensa and her deputies, Dr. Bossman Eric Asare and Samuel Tettey. Three petitions have also been filed seeking the removal of Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng.

These petitions have been forwarded by the President to the Chief Justice, who will determine if there is a prima facie case.k